As expected at today's PMA press conference, Sony has announced two brand new DSLRS, the Alpha A300 and A-350.

Sony aggressively enters 2008 with a new DSLR, and today it announces two more. The 14.2-megapixel Alpha A350 and 10.2 megapixel A300. These are also Sony's first entries in the Live View technology category, which promises to be the best way to resolve this technology to date on any DSLR brand.

Basically the "Quick AF Live View" system eliminates the focusing delays in comparison to other systems allowing the photographer used to standard DSLRS to shoot in a normal fashion without the sacrifices other systems suffer from. Point and shooters will now feel at home with this system but will now be able to reap the benefits that a DSLR affords.

While Sony could be viewed as a relative latecomer with incorporating liveview technology into its DSLR lineup, one could argue with great confidence that it was well worth the wait. Indeed Sony's statement last year regarding LiveView technology not being perfected yet makes complete sense to the Alpha community now more than ever.

It has become clearly evident and obvious that Sony wanted to get it right. And indeed it looks like they have. While we expect to find some small nitpicks in the system, Sony has basically drawn a line in the sand and has singlehandedly challenged other camera makers to play catch up. This is one aspect I have always adored about Sony's cameras (going back to the F828 in my experience). They aren't afraid to put it all out there in the breeze and try something new and innovative.

Sony is no stranger to introducing leading edge technology, and at competitive pricing. One of the allures to the Alpha system is Sony's drive to provide leading edge technology to the consumer that works. Sony is always cooking up something new and fun to introduce to buyers and 2008 looks to be a very exciting year for them, and for us.

Marketed as advanced consumer level DSLRS, the A-300 and A-350 promise to please those who demand liveview as an option. Now, they have it. Seems Sony is not only doing a good job at designing its new DSLRs but listening to the photography community and what its' needs are. Sony has responded handily in every segment of its new offerings to consumers and these two cameras are of no exception.

The A300 and A350 appear to have a striking resemblance to each other with the key differences being the amount of resolution (10.2mp A300 vs 14.2mp A350), frames per second in burst mode (3fps A300, 2FPS A350), and price ($100.00 USD difference between both models with the 18-70 kit lens). And that is about all.

Both models have the new 2.7" TFT LCD Screen adapted to a tilting mechanism that allows over the head shots and very low angle shots with ease. I see this as a very useful feature in specific shooting circumstances that coincides with the same advantages Live View offers. It was vital that they have both working in conjunction with one another. Live view without a tilting LCD seems only half finished. And while the tilting lcd displays do not flip outwards and rotate, they should provide the basic necessities of live view demands. Certainly I am reminded of my trusty R-1 of past times here, and it will be fun to relive live view over again for our reviews.

A350 shown with optional vertical grip that fits the A200, A300, and A350 alike.

In our eyes one of the best "features" of these two cameras is simply, the price. Both are available with a sharp 18-70 kit lens for $799.00 and $899.00 respectively. The A350 gives you 4mp more resolution, live view, tilt 2.7" lcd, and all of the other upgrades I outlined on the A200, but for $100.00 less than the A-100 upon release ($200.00 less for the A300)!

Sony has obviously considered our wallets to be a very valuable consideration when designing the new entry level DSLRS. I hope consumers are thankful in return by purchasing them in droves :). We think the consumer is benefiting with the advances Sony is making in this industry.

-C.Garrard